Three bowel cancer drugs rejected

5th September 2011

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has not given its approval for the use of three drugs to treat advanced bowel cancer.

NICE said the use of the drugs cetuximab, bevacizumab and panitumumab was too expensive when weighed up against their benefits. Andrew Dillon, NICE’s chief executive, said: "We have already recommended six treatments for various stages of colorectal cancer and are disappointed not to be able to recommend cetuximab, bevacizumab and panitumumab for this stage, but we have to be confident that the benefits justify the cost of the drugs. At present, the independent appraisal committee...does not feel it has enough clear evidence...to be able to recommend these drugs for use on the NHS."